News that Luo Heng and his gang had been caught caused quite a stir in Block C.
The next day, when the prisoners were let out for recreation, the atmosphere was noticeably different. The prisoners who had been connected to Luo Heng kept their heads down and their eyes averted, afraid of being implicated. The others whispered among themselves, their voices tinged with both relief and the sorrow of a hare mourning a fallen fox.
The guards, meanwhile, were in much higher spirits. They stood a little straighter as they patrolled.
But Xu Qian knew that was only what showed on the surface.
The undercurrents were still churning beneath.
That afternoon, Zhou Kang called a meeting of all the guards on duty.
"Everyone knows about Luo Heng," Zhou Kang said, seated at the head of the table, his expression stern. "We were lucky to discover it early this time. But it's also a warning—it shows there are still gaps in our management that let scum like them slip through."
He looked over everyone. "From today on, I want all of you on your toes. Shorten recreation time, double the cell inspections, and monitor the entire meal-delivery process. Anyone who slacks off can't blame me for showing no mercy."
Everyone answered in unison.
After the meeting, Zhou Kang kept Xu Qian behind.
"Xu Qian, you did well this time." Zhou Kang's tone softened a little. "But there's one thing I need to remind you—Luo Heng spent over a month building up his influence in Block C. He had plenty of followers. Even though we caught the ringleaders, some fish may have slipped through the net. You... be careful."
Xu Qian's heart tightened, but his expression remained calm. "Thank you for the warning, Captain Zhou. I'll be careful."
"Mm." Zhou Kang nodded